The perfect start of your studies

In some degree programmes, there are preparatory courses or bridge courses that facilitate the subject-related transition between school and university as learning at university is different from learning at school. This is why it is important to get used to it in good time and close any gaps in your basic knowledge.

The preparatory course in mathematics is highly recommended for all study programmes that deal with STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics)! Whether engineering, business information systems, biology or cognitive science – if you have decided on a degree programme with mathematical elements, you should definitely take the preliminary maths course.

ome departments also offer additional preliminary courses or online preparation, such as the programming course offered by the computer science department or the digital welcome package offered by the mechanical engineering department. Just check your department's website in good time and you will find all the information there.

Once you have prepared everything and you’ve arrived in Darmstadt for the start of lectures, the real thing begins – your studies start!

For each degree programme, there is an introductory event, an orientation phase (O-phase) or orientation and introductory week (Orientierungswoche OE), in which you receive the most important information about starting and planning your studies. This usually takes place during the orientation week (Orientierungswoche/OWO), which is organised by the respective student body of the department. You will be introduced to TU Darmstadt’s campus management system TUCaN and learn how to find your way around Moodle or other university platforms. And most importantly: the OWO is the ideal opportunity to meet new people and get in touch with your fellow students!

„From an obligatory introduction event, to campus and city tours, to game and topic evenings, researchers who report on their experiences in biology and, of course, the “Ersti Party” – we cover everything. At the end of the day, we want to facilitate early networking within the program and lay the foundation for a warm welcome to the department and future friendships,” Florian reports.

As soon as you have gained an initial overview and have arrived in the semester, you need to keep at it! Here, too, the departments and study areas offer a lot of support. In the mechanical engineering department, for example, an additional mathematics support course (MSK) is offered by the mechanical engineering student body, which takes place during the first semester. At the Department of Law and Economics, the OWO transitions directly into an introductory study phase that extends over the entire winter semester.

Scientific work – from research to scientific writing – is an important foundation for all courses and fields of study. It is hardly ever a topic at school, which means that working scientifically also has to be learned first. If you find this difficult, the TU Darmstadt also offers various options.

“Two mentors each supervise small groups of about 15-20 students and deal with study-related topics such as learning strategies, time management, but also stress, and exam situations during the exam phase in weekly meetings. Of course, the important aspect of socializing together should not be forgotten. One of the goals is for the students to join in fun activities. This includes going to the cafeteria together, bowling in the evening, bouldering, or getting to know Darmstadt with everything it has to offer,” says Florian.

In the case of professorial mentoring, professors or academic staff from university teaching take on the role as a mentor and usually support several students at the same time, mainly professional level. Some mentoring programmes start later and can help with the choice of specialisation, for example, in the Information Systems Technology programme from the third semester onwards.

Sometimes, professorial mentoring accompanies students over several semesters, for example in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Some mentoring programmes are a fixed component of the degree programme and are obligatory to take, for example, the Intensive Mentoring System (iMS) of student mentors in the department of computer science or mentorING in the department of etit.

When you start studying in a foreign country or even on a foreign continent, you are confronted even more with completely different challenges. However, TU Darmstadt offers a wide range of support services for international students. The first point of contact for international students is our International Student Services (ISS). Here you will receive support in all non-academic areas. The Language Centre of TU Darmstadt provides language support. There are various language courses for international students, including intensive German courses.

For exchange students who are spending one semester at TU Darmstadt, there are the X-Weeks. Degree-seeking students who are completing a full degree programme at TU Darmstadt can get a first overview at the Kick-Off Days. Both events include orientation sessions. In addition, you will be divided into groups, each of which will be looked after by a guide who will be your direct contact person for all questions. For prospective students with a refugee background, TU Darmstadt and the Language Centre offer preparatory courses with a language focus. The student initiative Tutor international also offers support during the orientation phase, you can find new friends there.

For international Bachelor students, we recommend the free preparatory semester PreBachelor. Here you can achieve the necessary German language skills at level C1 with an engineering-specific German language course. In addition, you can prepare for your engineering degree programme with a mathematics pre-course, acquire the necessary study skills and get to know the university and the city better with our orientation programme. All this in one semester before you start your studies! PreBachelor is offered every summer semester.

Shortly before the start of your studies, it is a good idea to participate in the PreCIS (Preparatory Course and Support Programme for International Students), which offers pre-courses, buddy programmes or semester-long workshops, among other things. International Master's students in certain STEM programmes can participate in MasterPlus. In this programme, Buddies from your department will support you shortly before and during your first semester.

“When the course started, I was still in Moldova, but that didn’t matter at all. All the events took place online and therefore everyone had the opportunity to participate regardless of their location. During the first two days, we were taught basic and necessary information about the university: how lectures are held, which events take place, how to register for them, and how to use Moodle and TUCaN. I got to see the university live in an online game and that was mega cool! What really helped me was the study skills training, where we learned how to study effectively, how to set goals properly and much more. Also, I was really happy to have a mentor who helped me in my first semester and who supported me,” Catalina reports.

In addition, some departments and degree programmes have developed their own support services for international students. Su2Ma – Success through Support – Materials Science is aimed at international Master's students in materials science. In the Department of Mathematics, international students are also supported in an extra buddy programme. The BioBuddies help international biology students arrive in Darmstadt.

If you have taken advantage of all the offers available to you, you are perfectly prepared for university life and have laid the best foundation for successful studies. However, if any uncertainties or difficulties arise, get in touch with someone who can help you. The first point of contact can be the study office or the student body of your degree programme. You can get advice independent of your subject from the Central Student Advisory Service and Orientation (ZSB), which is always there for you if you need advice or a second opinion.